Belgian news in brief, 9 August 2005

9th August 2005, 0 comments

Suez buys out Electrabel, French utilities group Suez launched on Tuesday a EUR 11.2 billion buyout of minority holdings in subsidiary Electrabel in a long-awaited deal inspired by booming electricity profits at the Belgian firm. Suez already had more than a 50 percent stake in Electrabel and will now buy the remaining 49.93 percent of shares. Unions have reacted with little complaint. If Suez completes the deal, the Belgian energy market will be fully in French control.

Suez buys out Electrabel

French utilities group Suez launched on Tuesday a EUR 11.2 billion buyout of minority holdings in subsidiary Electrabel in a long-awaited deal inspired by booming electricity profits at the Belgian firm. Suez already had more than a 50 percent stake in Electrabel and will now buy the remaining 49.93 percent of shares. Unions have reacted with little complaint. If Suez completes the deal, the Belgian energy market will be fully in French control.

Soldiers can take kids to barracks

Soldiers and civilian personnel of the Belgian army will from now on be allowed to take their children to the barracks during school holiday periods. This will only be allowed if parents are unable to find an alternative child care solution. However, staff will have to obtain permission first. The scheme is designed to tackle the childcare problems encountered by staff. However, the military is not the only government service looking towards solving childcare problems. Various ministries and public companies are starting to arrange childcare for staff.

Football club sets up TV channel

Sporting Anderlecht has announced plans to launch its own television station dedicated to keeping fans up to date on club news. Elite European soccer clubs such as Chelsea, Real Madrid and AC Milan already have similar television stations. Anderlecht director Herman Van Holsbeeck a digital TV channel with news and features about the club will be broadcast via Belgacom's new digital TV service. Other companies and organisations are expected to follow.

Pakistani protest in Antwerp

Some 40 Pakistani shopkeepers protested in the Antwerp city centre on Monday against recent terrorism claims lodged against the city's Islamic community. Antwerp social security board member Marco Laenens recently revealed Pakistani and Afghan asylum seekers are under suspicion for links to terrorism or drugs crimes. Protesters carried placards on Monday condemning the terrorist attacks in London and stressing that Islam is a peaceful religion. The protest passed off without incident except when a passer-by threw a glass bottle at protestors. The man was arrested.